It's been almost a month since the second debridement. The pain and swelling have gone down quite a bit, as has my use of the pain meds. I'm not entirely pain-free, but it's very manageable now. I saw the oral surgeon two days ago and he's pleased with my progress. Still a long ways to go until the healing is complete, but off to a good start!
So, all of that is great news on the day before Thanksgiving and adds to the long list of things to be thankful about. Over 3 and a half years in remission, and closing in fast on the five-year timeline to be declared cured of this set of Prairie Dogs.
Speaking of those PDs, I read a bit of medical research this week that made me even more thankful this holiday season. All along I was under the impression that my cancer had a cure rate of over 80%, which gave me great confidence throughout my treatments. It turns out that is the rate for HPV+ head and neck cancers (Google that to learn more). I am HPV-, and the survival rate for that group is about 55%, which would have made me a lot more worried three+ years ago. I now understand why all of my doctors were so impressed with my recovery as I made such good progress. Sometimes, ignorance IS bliss.
With all of my good news, I need to ask Team Mike to send some Good Vibes to the mother of one of my best friends. who is fighting off a life threatening infection from hip surgery a little while ago. Mrs. Florence (aka, Flo) Prusak was a big part of my life in high school, after I met her son Paul--who has remained a best friend over all those years. Flo has a great sense of humor, fine tuned by putting up with a bunch of knuckleheads that Paul and I were a part of in high school and beyond--even to this day. Flo was a big part of Team Mike when I needed it the most, and made me her special brownies (no, not that kind of special brownies) the first time I saw her post-treatments--as she has done for me for over 40 years. Paul and his wife Sue, and Mr. Prusak are with Flo in Florida as she is trying to turn the corner on this infection. Please include them in your Thanksgiving prayers.
Mike
